Meet the NZRA Exec

Jono Boyce - NZRA Treasurer

Alter Ego: Head of Programme Group, New Product Development at Synlait Milk.  

Bio: Jono has a commercial finance background with qualifications in law and financial accounting. Jono spent a number of years in public practice, focusing mainly on transaction and due Diligence services and international tax. In 2016 Jono changed carriers and moved into the primary sector where he leads the new product development projects group for NZX listed company Synlait Milk. Jono has led the Treasury functions of a number of other incorporated societies and has been building his governance capability through a mixture of these roles and in his career.

Theme song:  "Dance yourself clean" (LCD Sound System)

Dr Rachelle Martin - NZRA Communications

Alter Ego: Rehabilitation & Knowledge Translation Lead, Burwood Academy of Independent Living (BAIL); Professional Practice Fellow, RTRU, Department of Medicine, University of Otago Wellington.

Bio: Rachelle is a senior lecturer and researcher who worked as a physiotherapist for >20 years and then decided to work towards a PhD in rehabilitation (finishing this in 2018).  Rachelle teaches rehabilitation papers via the Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit (RTRU) and supervises a number of Master's and PhD students. She also conducts research that supports the development of empowering mana-enhancing health services - acknowledging and building on people’s capabilities and strengths.  Rachelle tends to approach her research through a realist research and evaluation lens. She is also committed to optimising the real-world impact of research by ensuring that new evidence and knowledge is directly translated into improved ways of working – often within the process of research itself.

Theme song: "Beautiful Things" (Gungor)

Dr Leanne Parker

Alter Ego: Rehabilitation Physician, Southern Rehab and NZALS

Bio: Leanne is a clinician practicing largely in community rehabilitation settings, primarily working in mild to moderate brain injury, pain management, complex trauma and orthopaedic rehabilitation and amputee rehabilitation. She has previously worked in spinal cord injuries rehabilitation in an inpatient setting. When Leanne is not working she enjoys spending time with her children and family, and being in the outdoors, especially the beach and the water. 

Theme song: "The Chain" (Fleetwood Mac)

Anne Hawker

Alter Ego: Retired (kind-of!) disability advocate and NZRA Life Member

Bio: Anne joined the disability community in 1979. She has been an advocate for the disability community at a local, regional, national and international level. Anne was involved with the NZ Rehabilitation Association from the mid-1980s till 1994. During this period, she served as Treasurer of the Association, and has had the privilege of been made a Life member of the Association.

Anne worked in the Otago community for 15 years, establishing the Mosgiel Abilities Resource Centre. She was also employed as a researcher with University of Otago.  In 1993 she moved to Wellington. Since that time Anne has been Chief Executive of the Head injury Society, a manager with the Central Regional Health Authority, the Rehabilitation Improvement Manager with ACC, and for the last 15 years the Principal Disability Adviser with the Ministry of Social Development. From 20008-20012 Anne was World President of Rehabilitation International - the first woman to hold that position.

As part of my retirement plan I joined the Executive of NZ Rehabilitation Association.

Theme song: Whiter Shade of Pale

Dr Stephanie Thompson

Alter Ego: Clinical Lead – Rehabilitation; Allied Health Consultant – Rehabilitation (physiotherapist), Te Whatu Ora – Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley

Bio: Steph is a physiotherapist with more than 20 years’ experience, having worked predominantly in community rehabilitation.  She completed her PhD at the University of Otago, Wellington in 2022, and following this returned to clinical practice.  As well as working clinically, Steph also currently holds clinical leadership roles.  She has a passion for delivery of evidence-based rehabilitation, has a goal of improving equity in access to rehabilitation services, and is interested in the use of technology to support rehabilitation service delivery.

Theme song: And We Run (Within Temptation)